Free CNA Practice Test 1 – Certified Nursing Assistant Exam Questions & Answers (2026)
CNA Practice Test 1
Preparing for the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) examination requires more than memorizing facts. A successful CNA must understand patient safety, infection prevention, communication, personal care, ethics, documentation, and daily nursing assistant responsibilities. Practicing realistic exam-style questions helps improve critical thinking and prepares you for both the written knowledge examination and clinical practice.
This free CNA Practice Test 1 contains 10 original multiple-choice questions designed to help you review essential nursing assistant concepts. Each question includes a detailed explanation so you understand why the correct answer is right.
Whether you are taking your first CNA exam or reviewing before your certification test, completing regular practice tests is one of the best ways to build confidence and identify areas that need additional study.
Question 1
A nursing assistant should wash their hands:
A. Only after patient care
B. Before and after every patient contact
C. Once every hour
D. Only when hands look dirty
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Hand hygiene before and after patient contact is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infection.
Question 2
Which patient should be reported to the nurse immediately?
A. Patient eating breakfast
B. Patient sleeping comfortably
C. Patient suddenly experiencing difficulty breathing
D. Patient reading a newspaper
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Difficulty breathing is an emergency and requires immediate reporting.
Question 3
Standard precautions should be used:
A. Only for patients with infectious diseases
B. Only in hospitals
C. For every patient
D. Only during blood collection
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Standard precautions are applied to every patient regardless of diagnosis.
Question 4
Before transferring a patient from bed to wheelchair, the CNA should first:
A. Lock the wheelchair brakes
B. Remove the patient’s shoes
C. Lower the bed rails afterward
D. Turn off room lights
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Locking the wheelchair prevents movement and reduces fall risk.
Question 5
A patient refuses breakfast. The CNA should:
A. Force the patient to eat
B. Throw away the meal without telling anyone
C. Report the refusal to the nurse
D. Ignore the situation
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Changes in appetite or refusal of meals should be communicated to the supervising nurse.
Question 6
The normal adult body temperature is approximately:
A. 34°C
B. 37°C
C. 40°C
D. 42°C
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The average normal body temperature is about 37°C (98.6°F), though slight variations are common.
Question 7
Which action helps prevent pressure injuries?
A. Repositioning patients regularly
B. Limiting fluid intake
C. Keeping the patient in one position
D. Using extra blankets only
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Frequent repositioning reduces prolonged pressure on the skin.
Question 8
A CNA notices redness on a patient’s heel. The first action is to:
A. Massage the area vigorously
B. Ignore the redness
C. Report the finding to the nurse
D. Apply powder
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Early reporting allows timely assessment and prevention of skin breakdown.
Question 9
When communicating with a hearing-impaired patient, the CNA should:
A. Shout loudly
B. Speak clearly while facing the patient
C. Avoid eye contact
D. Speak rapidly
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Facing the patient allows them to see facial expressions and, if applicable, read lips.
Question 10
The best way to identify a patient is:
A. Ask another patient
B. Use at least two approved patient identifiers according to facility policy
C. Identify by room number only
D. Identify by diagnosis
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Following your facility’s identification policy helps reduce the risk of patient identification errors.
Study Tips
- Practice a small number of questions every day rather than cramming.
- Read each question carefully before looking at the options.
- Review why each correct answer is correct.
- Strengthen weak topics through repeated practice.
- Stay familiar with infection control, safety, communication, and personal care principles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the CNA written exam?
The number of questions depends on the state and testing provider. Check the requirements for your specific exam before test day.
Is the CNA exam difficult?
Most candidates succeed with consistent study, regular practice questions, and hands-on skills preparation.
How often should I practice?
Aim to complete practice questions several times each week while reviewing explanations for every answer.
What topics should I study?
Focus on infection prevention, patient safety, communication, basic nursing care, vital signs, personal care, ethics, and documentation.
Continue your preparation with:
- CNA Practice Test 2
- CNA Infection Control Questions
- CNA Patient Safety MCQs
- CNA Vital Signs Practice Questions
- CNA Communication MCQs